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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Owl, a mini quilt (but not a cute one)

Owl is not cute.

She is a little 12" square mini quilt for this quarter's theme - owl - in my Four in Art group. I used a thread and fabric painting technique. I was inspired by the Orbit quilt by Jennifer Sampou in the We Love Color book.

I am very uncomfortable with Owl. She is far more of an art quilt and I don't see myself as an art quilt maker. But here she is.

I was going to toss her out - Owl feels threatening, she has the qualities of a powerful hunter, not a cute little owl. I was not sure that anyone would like her at all. I am still not sure how I feel exactly about this piece.

You can see I am easing you into her. I took her to lunch and Marianne said she liked her. She encouraged me to keep her and show her off. Since I value Marianne's opinion on art a great deal, I did not make a safer replacement. I have only Owl to show you.

I now understand just a little bit about how artists might feel as they share their work, wondering if people will really dislike it. Wondering if you even like it. Wondering if you need a vacation, perhaps.

The theme was hard for me. I had hoped to go through the projects each quarter in this group primarily improv piecing mini quilts that evoke the theme but are more abstract modern quilts, not particularly art quilts. But then I made Owl.

It was the eyes of the pictures of owls I saw when I googled owl images that I wanted to make, the eyes under that hunter's scowling brow. I used Oakshotts and Essex linen and a bunch of thread.

Well I think it's fabulous! Powerful, a bit intimidating but still beautiful - you couldn't get more owlish! It's also how I like my art - better to have a negative response than a "meh" one, dontchathink? I would happily own this - just putting that out there in case you really can't live with her! *g* Definitely a she-owl, btw, she's got that mummy stare!

WOW. I've been back a few times and every time I like it more and more. I think it's one of those pieces that makes you think about it and question it. It's a great feeling when art has that effect, I think. Great interpretation.

Oooh Leanne what are you trying to say with those eyes! They are gorgeous those, I totally love the color and the method you used...but definitely not something I'd hang up in my daughter's room (her theme is owls). Go enjoy the beach!

That quilt is just stunning. It's always a little scary going so far out of your comfort zone. I've always had a thing for owls, and I do find that owl expressions tend to be a little bit angry and overwhelming in art and your quilt fits right in. But it's absolutely gorgeous.

Your quilts are always intriguing, always in your perfectly improv style, even when you think they are not. Owl captures that glare that hooked me in as well, the glare looking for food, the glaring eyes that say beware or watch out or you are my next meal. After doing my research for this, I will never again think of owls as cute or cuddly creatures, but more a force to be reckoned with. And you capture that perfectly in your piece.

Leanne, I think it is wonderful. I'm so glad you did something that you feel stretched with. When I was looking at pictures, it was always the eyes that stood out to me and I think you captured that very well. In fact, you wouldn't even have to say this was an owl, everyone would know.Enjoy your vacation!

Her eyes are mesmerising...such a feeling of strength and raw nature to this piece.

P.S. My grandma used to collect owl ornaments and this reminds me of one she had - it was brass with bright red eyes and whenever Grandma left the room one of us would turn it to face the wall because we were all convinced it was staring at us and deciding which one to peck first...

I actually like the back - does that help!?It is as good as any 'art' quilt I have seen; they are not my thing, but I can appreciate the work (blah blah). You could hang it on the front door at halloween, and keep all the candy to yourself xxx

Wow, this is stunning Leanne! I think your discomfort putting Owl out there probably reflects the fact that you poured a little bit of soul into her (and the fact that it's tough to step outside the norm of quilts being "pretty"). I think this is a great piece and you should be really proud!

Owl is scary but the technique is very cool. I like the back of Owl - it makes me feel less like I am being hunted. I think art is meant to evoke an emotion. Being freaked out by Owl is a good sign you are doing it right :)